New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy

Transport in Italy

In order to drive in Italy NZ drivers' licence holders are required to have a valid NZ drivers' licence plus a valid international drivers' permit issued by the New Zealand Automobile Association.

Motorbikes

As of 1 October 2005 in Italy in order to drive a 50cc motorcycle everyone including adults must either:

Hold a specific licence, or

Hold any other type of full driver’s licence (in other words neither learner, provisional or restricted licence).

Younger NZ citizens touring Italy who often hire motorcycles. The fines for non-compliance are very hefty (NZ$1000) to the driver and above that to the owner if different from the driver.

Road Traffic Fines

These are generally more costly than in New Zealand. If you are able to pay on the spot you pay less than if payment is made later (this is called a conciliazione - pronounced con-chilia-zzione). Payments have to be made in Italy before departure.

Buses

In Italy, local bus tickets (called biglietto - pronounced bee-li-etto) have to be bought in advance and machine validated on initially entering a public transport vehicle. Ask local practice and ticket options from a tourist information desk.

In Rome the general fare is Euro 1 and allows for 75 minutes of travel on any trams and buses in sequence, though only a single journey on the Metro. Tourist, daily, monthly and annual tickets are available.

Fines for not validating tickets are expensive (in Rome Euro 50 on the spot or Euro 100 for payment later at the ATAC office, Via Gaeta 78, open 7:00 to 18:45 or at a post office). Payment of fines can not be made outside of Italy.

Taxis from Rome Airport

As of 1 October 2006, a flat fee applies for taxi fares to and from Rome airports and the city centre (demarcated by the Aurelian Walls) of €40 from Fiumicino and €30 from Ciampino. If you are not travelling to or from the city centre, ensure the taxi driver uses the meter. Taxis are white and have a city crest and number. For more information call the Comune di Roma on +39 060606, which has a telephone service in English.